(1) K-3 This is a spirited and direct account of Leif's voyage with his father to Greenland and his own subsequent voyages to Norway and Vinland. The book's great distinction lies in its stunning lithographs of dragon ships and Viking homes, of the Norse heroes' deeds of daring and zest for living.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2041

(3) YA Great Explorers of the World series. Examining the lives of well-known explorers, these biographies go beyond to offer information about the times in which the men lived; events leading up to and surrounding their travels; and the impact of their explorations on the world. The volumes are well illustrated with photos, archival art, and maps. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Explorers of the World titles: Leif Eriksson, Captain Cook, Cortés, Vasco Da Gama, Lewis and Clark, and Pizarro.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 The history of Vikings reaching North America comes to life in this well-researched tale. Young Hekja rescues the eponymous dog. Rover and Hekja are then enslaved by Vikings and end up on a ship with Freydis Eriksdöttir--sister of Leif Eriksson. This is really Freydis's story, so the pup--and Hekja--seem almost incidental at times. Occasional footnotes are informative but distracting.

Reviewer: Karen Watts

(4) K-3 On My Own Biography series. Illustrated by Mark Oldroyd. These brief easy-to-read biographies introduce independent readers to three historical figures. The dry overviews cover each subject's childhood and adult accomplishments, discussing how each came to be a leader. The short lines of text and competent color illustrations on every page are appropriate for the reading level. Timeline. Review covers these On My Own Biography titles: Leif Eriksson, Sojourner Truth, and Cesar Chavez.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) K-3 Explorers! series. Three explorers--of Asia, of South America, and of North America--are profiled in these brief biographies copiously illustrated with photos and reproductions. Unfortunately, the texts' lack of detail can prove confusing (e.g., in Pizarro we learn that "They took [the gold] to their ship," yet the fact that Pizarro and his men have a ship is news to us). Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Explorers! titles: Marco Polo, Francisco Pizarro, and Leif Eriksson.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Basing her account on the few known facts, Kimmel tells how Eriksson grew up in Iceland, went with his parents to Greenland after his father Erik the Red discovered it, and then, following the route reported by an old trader, found and settled Vinland, or Newfoundland. Captioned black-and-white photos and maps illustrate the story, which begins somewhat haltingly but flows into its own. Reading list. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian